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Capilano Suspension Bridge

The bridge itself is the main attraction but you will be surprised at the surrounding forests and trails on offer at this the most popular tourist attraction in Vancouver. Dare to walk across the bridge without holding on to the side rails!

Capilano Suspension Bridge Attractions

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is Vancouver’s most popular attraction and also one of the oldest! Although you won’t be walking across the original one there has been a bridge at this site since 1889 when George Grant Mackay bought the land on either side of the Capilano River and erected a log cabin and primitive bridge which became a popular destination for visitors even back then. The current bridge is much safer as the ends are encased in concrete, though this doesn’t stop the bridge from swaying as visitors walk across it!

In addition to the bridge there are also a number of other attractions here which make Capilano Suspension Bridge a good family destination for a half day or more.

Capilano Suspension Bridge Highlights

Capilano Suspension Bridge

There’s no doubt that the visitors come here for the bridge, and the rest of the attractions are a bonus! Still, if you’d like a little rush of adrenaline and a shaky-leg experience this is where you’ll get it! Suspended 230 feet (70 meters) above the Capilano River, and stretching a scary 450 feet (137 meters) across, you’ll feel a sense of satisfaction making it from one end to the other and experiencing the great views along the way.

Treetops Adventure

Added to the park in 2005, is the newest attraction here, called the Treetops Adventure. As if one bridge wasn’t enough you can now enjoy a series of bridges set high above the forest floor, within the trees. The series of 8 small suspension bridges link up the huge Douglas Firs and give you a bird’s eye view of the rainforest below at heights of up to 100 feet (30 meters). The treehouse at the beginning of the Treetops Adventure is also great fun and it’s good to know that all of this was built ecologically-friendly with no damage to the trees or other living things.

Totem Park

The Capilano Suspension Bridge park is also a great place to see some intricate First Nations totem poles. These poles are all ‘story’ poles and hence have their own stories to tell through the carvings. There have been totem poles here since the 1930’s when the First Nations peoples were first invited to display them.

First Nations Cultural Centre

In addition to the totem poles there’s also the First Nations Cultural Centre where you witness carving, weaving and beadwork taking place.

The Living Forest

The Living Forest is an extensive and interactive display in which visitors can find out all there is to know about the forest, the plants, trees and animals you’ll find around Capilano and beyond.

Rainforest Tour

If a visit to the Living Forest has perked your interest, why not join one of the complimentary Rainforest Tours? These informative tours are given by eco guides and last approximately 20 to 30 minutes walking through the West Coast rainforest.

Story Centre

The Story Centre, in contrast to the Living Forest exhibition, concentrates on the people involved with the Capilano Suspension Bridge and you can see and hear their stories which tell you about the early development of both Vancouver and the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

The Trading Post

Once you’ve made the most of all the attractions here, visit the Trading Post. This is Capilano Suspension Bridge’s gift store and was built in 1911. It now houses over 20,000 Canadian souvenirs so is a great place to come to pick up gifts for all your friends and family back home! You may particularly like the exclusive collection of First Nations art and clothing for sale at the Trading Post.

Where is the Capilano Suspension Bridge?

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is on Vancouver’s North Shore and only a short journey from Downtown Vancouver via either public transit or car.

Coming by car from downtown, cross over the Lions Gate Bridge from Stanley Park then follow the signs. It’s just a few miles drive and is very easy to find. By transit the journey is easy too – take the SeaBus over to Lonsdale Quay and then bus #236.

To find out more about all the attractions at the Capilano Suspension Bridge as well as admission prices, opening hours and more, please visit the official Capilano Suspension Bridge website.